Biologically Available Chemical Energy in the Temperate but Uninhabitable Venusian Cloud Layer: What Do We Want to Know?

Abstract:

:The cloud layer has been hypothesized to be the most habitable region of Venus. In the lower clouds, both temperature and pressure fall within bounds that support reproduction of microbial life on Earth, although the water activity of the sulfuric acid cloud droplets makes the clouds uninhabitable to known life. In this study, we carried out an analysis of CHNOPS (carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur) elements and potential redox couples in the cloud layer, and we used a microbial energetic growth model to investigate quantitatively the chemical energy available for microbial growth from methanogenesis, sulfate reduction, and hydrogen oxidation at temperatures between 278 and 350 K. The purpose was to improve knowledge of how far the venusian cloud layer comes from being habitable. Hydrogen oxidation was favorable at all temperatures; however, negative Gibbs free energies for sulfate reduction and methanogenesis depended critically on the assumed concentrations of electron donors, acceptors, and products. Improved measurements and the investigation of new molecules will allow us to better assess quantitatively how far Venus comes from possessing a habitable cloud layer and what would need to be different to make it habitable. We identify specific required measurements. These data will advance our understanding of the habitability of planetary atmospheres on extrasolar greenhouse worlds and the habitability of Earth when the planet eventually enters a greenhouse state.

journal_name

Astrobiology

journal_title

Astrobiology

authors

Cockell CS,Higgins PM,Johnstone AA

doi

10.1089/ast.2020.2280

subject

Has Abstract

pub_date

2021-01-19 00:00:00

eissn

1531-1074

issn

1557-8070

pub_type

杂志文章
  • The temporal aspect of the drake equation and SETI.

    abstract::We critically investigate some evolutionary aspects of the famous Drake equation, which is usually presented as the central guide for research on extraterrestrial intelligence. It is shown that the Drake equation tacitly relies on unverified assumptions on both the physicochemical history of our galaxy and the propert...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.1089/153110704323175160

    authors: Cirković MM

    更新日期:2004-07-01 00:00:00

  • Chemical evolution of amphiphiles: glycerol monoacyl derivatives stabilize plausible prebiotic membranes.

    abstract::The self-assembly of simple amphiphiles like fatty acids into cell-like membranous structures suggests that such structures were available on prebiotic Earth to support the origin of cellular life. However, the composition of primitive membranes remains unclear because the physical properties of the aqueous environmen...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.1089/ast.2009.0384

    authors: Maurer SE,Deamer DW,Boncella JM,Monnard PA

    更新日期:2009-12-01 00:00:00

  • The Dynamic Albedo of Neutrons (DAN) experiment for NASA's 2009 Mars Science Laboratory.

    abstract::We present a summary of the physical principles and design of the Dynamic Albedo of Neutrons (DAN) instrument onboard NASA's 2009 Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission. The DAN instrument will use the method of neutron-neutron activation analysis in a space application to study the abundance and depth distribution of ...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.1089/ast.2007.0157

    authors: Litvak ML,Mitrofanov IG,Barmakov YN,Behar A,Bitulev A,Bobrovnitsky Y,Bogolubov EP,Boynton WV,Bragin SI,Churin S,Grebennikov AS,Konovalov A,Kozyrev AS,Kurdumov IG,Krylov A,Kuznetsov YP,Malakhov AV,Mokrousov MI,Ryzhkov

    更新日期:2008-06-01 00:00:00

  • Planetary Protection and Mars Special Regions--A Suggestion for Updating the Definition.

    abstract::We highlight the role of COSPAR and the scientific community in defining and updating the framework of planetary protection. Specifically, we focus on Mars "Special Regions," areas where strict planetary protection measures have to be applied before a spacecraft can explore them, given the existence of environmental c...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.1089/ast.2016.1472

    authors: Rettberg P,Anesio AM,Baker VR,Baross JA,Cady SL,Detsis E,Foreman CM,Hauber E,Ori GG,Pearce DA,Renno NO,Ruvkun G,Sattler B,Saunders MP,Smith DH,Wagner D,Westall F

    更新日期:2016-02-01 00:00:00

  • Raman imagery: a new approach to assess the geochemical maturity and biogenicity of permineralized precambrian fossils.

    abstract::Laser-Raman imagery is a non-intrusive, non-destructive analytical technique, recently introduced to Precambrian paleobiology, that can be used to demonstrate a one-to-one spatial correlation between the optically discernible morphology and kerogenous composition of permineralized fossil microorganisms. Made possible ...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.1089/ast.2005.5.333

    authors: Schopf JW,Kudryavtsev AB,Agresti DG,Czaja AD,Wdowiak TJ

    更新日期:2005-06-01 00:00:00

  • Identification and Characterization of Early Mission Phase Microorganisms Residing on the Mars Science Laboratory and Assessment of Their Potential to Survive Mars-like Conditions.

    abstract::Planetary protection is governed by the Outer Space Treaty and includes the practice of protecting planetary bodies from contamination by Earth life. Although studies are constantly expanding our knowledge about life in extreme environments, it is still unclear what the probability is for terrestrial organisms to surv...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.1089/ast.2015.1417

    authors: Smith SA,Benardini JN 3rd,Anderl D,Ford M,Wear E,Schrader M,Schubert W,DeVeaux L,Paszczynski A,Childers SE

    更新日期:2017-03-01 00:00:00

  • Free-radical chemistry as a means to evaluate lunar dust health hazard in view of future missions to the moon.

    abstract::Lunar dust toxicity has to be evaluated in view of future manned missions to the Moon. Previous studies on lunar specimens and simulated dusts have revealed an oxidant activity assigned to HO· release. However, the mechanisms behind the reactivity of lunar dust are still quite unclear at the molecular level. In the pr...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.1089/ast.2014.1216

    authors: Turci F,Corazzari I,Alberto G,Martra G,Fubini B

    更新日期:2015-05-01 00:00:00

  • Field trial of a dual-wavelength fluorescent emission (L.I.F.E.) instrument and the Magma White rover during the MARS2013 Mars analog mission.

    abstract::Abstract We have developed a portable dual-wavelength laser fluorescence spectrometer as part of a multi-instrument optical probe to characterize mineral, organic, and microbial species in extreme environments. Operating at 405 and 532 nm, the instrument was originally designed for use by human explorers to produce a ...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.1089/ast.2013.1081

    authors: Groemer G,Sattler B,Weisleitner K,Hunger L,Kohstall C,Frisch A,Józefowicz M,Meszyński S,Storrie-Lombardi M,Bothe C,Boyd A,Dinkelaker A,Dissertori M,Fasching D,Fischer M,Föger D,Foresta L,Frischauf N,Fritsch L,Fuchs

    更新日期:2014-05-01 00:00:00

  • Is the presence of oxygen on an exoplanet a reliable biosignature?

    abstract::We revisit the validity of the presence of O(2) or O(3) in the atmosphere of a rocky planet as being a biosignature. Up to now, the false positive that has been identified applies to a planet during a hot greenhouse runaway, which is restricted to planets outside the habitable zone (HZ) of the star that are closer to ...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.1089/ast.2010.0516

    authors: Léger A,Fontecave M,Labeyrie A,Samuel B,Demangeon O,Valencia D

    更新日期:2011-05-01 00:00:00

  • Design, fabrication, and test of a hydrothermal reactor for origin-of-life experiments.

    abstract::We describe a continuous high-pressure flow reactor designed to simulate the unforced convective interaction of hydrothermal solutions and ocean waters with submarine crust on early Earth-conditions appropriate to those that may have led to the onset of life. The experimental operating conditions are appropriate for i...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.1089/ast.2009.0456

    authors: Mielke RE,Russell MJ,Wilson PR,McGlynn SE,Coleman M,Kidd R,Kanik I

    更新日期:2010-10-01 00:00:00

  • A bacterial enrichment study and overview of the extractable lipids from paleosols in the Dry Valleys, Antarctica: implications for future Mars reconnaissance.

    abstract::The Dry Valleys of Antarctica are one of the coldest and driest environments on Earth with paleosols in selected areas that date to the emplacement of tills by warm-based ice during the Early Miocene. Cited as an analogue to the martian surface, the ability of the Antarctic environment to support microbial life-forms ...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.1089/ast.2010.0583

    authors: Hart KM,Szpak MT,Mahaney WC,Dohm JM,Jordan SF,Frazer AR,Allen CC,Kelleher BP

    更新日期:2011-05-01 00:00:00

  • Organic Haze as a Biosignature in Anoxic Earth-like Atmospheres.

    abstract::Early Earth may have hosted a biologically mediated global organic haze during the Archean eon (3.8-2.5 billion years ago). This haze would have significantly impacted multiple aspects of our planet, including its potential for habitability and its spectral appearance. Here, we model worlds with Archean-like levels of...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.1089/ast.2017.1666

    authors: Arney G,Domagal-Goldman SD,Meadows VS

    更新日期:2018-03-01 00:00:00

  • Earth as an extrasolar planet: Earth model validation using EPOXI earth observations.

    abstract::The EPOXI Discovery Mission of Opportunity reused the Deep Impact flyby spacecraft to obtain spatially and temporally resolved visible photometric and moderate resolution near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopic observations of Earth. These remote observations provide a rigorous validation of whole-disk Earth model simulatio...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.1089/ast.2011.0642

    authors: Robinson TD,Meadows VS,Crisp D,Deming D,A'hearn MF,Charbonneau D,Livengood TA,Seager S,Barry RK,Hearty T,Hewagama T,Lisse CM,McFadden LA,Wellnitz DD

    更新日期:2011-06-01 00:00:00

  • Lessons learned from the microbial analysis of the Herschel spacecraft during assembly, integration, and test operations.

    abstract::Understanding microbial diversity in spacecraft assembly clean rooms is of major interest with respect to planetary protection considerations. A coordinated screening of different clean rooms in Europe and South America by three German institutes [Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR), Leibniz-Institut DSMZ-...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章,评审

    doi:10.1089/ast.2013.1024

    authors: Moissl-Eichinger C,Pukall R,Probst AJ,Stieglmeier M,Schwendner P,Mora M,Barczyk S,Bohmeier M,Rettberg P

    更新日期:2013-12-01 00:00:00

  • Biosignature Preservation and Detection in Mars Analog Environments.

    abstract::This review of material relevant to the Conference on Biosignature Preservation and Detection in Mars Analog Environments summarizes the meeting materials and discussions and is further expanded upon by detailed references to the published literature. From this diverse source material, there is a detailed discussion o...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章,评审

    doi:10.1089/ast.2016.1627

    authors: Hays LE,Graham HV,Des Marais DJ,Hausrath EM,Horgan B,McCollom TM,Parenteau MN,Potter-McIntyre SL,Williams AJ,Lynch KL

    更新日期:2017-04-01 00:00:00

  • Earth Without Life: A Systems Model of a Global Abiotic Nitrogen Cycle.

    abstract::Nitrogen is the major component of Earth's atmosphere and plays important roles in biochemistry. Biological systems have evolved a variety of mechanisms for fixing and recycling environmental nitrogen sources, which links them tightly with terrestrial nitrogen reservoirs. However, prior to the emergence of biology, al...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.1089/ast.2017.1700

    authors: Laneuville M,Kameya M,Cleaves HJ 2nd

    更新日期:2018-07-01 00:00:00

  • Fungi and Mycotoxins in Space-A Review.

    abstract::Fungi are not only present on Earth but colonize spacecraft and space stations as well. This review provides an extensive overview of the large and diverse group of fungal species that have been found in space, as well as those corresponding detection methods used and the existing and potential future prevention and c...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章,评审

    doi:10.1089/ast.2018.1854

    authors: De Middeleer G,Leys N,Sas B,De Saeger S

    更新日期:2019-07-01 00:00:00

  • Salt Tolerance and UV Protection of Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecalis under Simulated Martian Conditions.

    abstract::Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on the surface of Mars is an important factor that affects the survivability of microorganisms on Mars. The possibility of martian brines made from Fe2(SO4)3, MnSO4, and MgSO4 salts providing a habitable niche on Mars via attenuation of UV radiation was investigated on the bacteria Bacillu...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.1089/ast.2020.2285

    authors: Godin PJ,Schuerger AC,Moores JE

    更新日期:2020-11-25 00:00:00

  • Analysis of competition between transformation pathways in the functioning of biotic abstract dual automata.

    abstract::Properties of avenues of transformation and their mutualism with forms of organization in dynamic systems are essential for understanding the evolution of prebiotic order. We have analyzed competition between two avenues of transformation in an A↔B system, using the simulation approach called BiADA (Biotic Abstract Du...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.1089/ast.2012.0933

    authors: Popa R,Cimpoiasu VM

    更新日期:2013-05-01 00:00:00

  • Mitigation of the impact of terrestrial contamination on organic measurements from the Mars Science Laboratory.

    abstract::The objective of the 2009 Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), which is planned to follow the Mars Exploration Rovers and the Phoenix lander to the surface of Mars, is to explore and assess quantitatively a site on Mars as a potential habitat for present or past life. Specific goals include an assessment of the past or pres...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.1089/ast.2007.0160

    authors: ten Kate IL,Canham JS,Conrad PG,Errigo T,Katz I,Mahaffy PR

    更新日期:2008-06-01 00:00:00

  • Structural and Energetic Compatibility: The Driving Principles of Molecular Evolution.

    abstract::In this work, we provide an answer to the question formulated by Albert Eschenmoser: "How would you envisage the bridge between potentially primordial geochemistry that had been disordered and one that gradually became self-organizing?" Analysis of the free-energy profiles of some of the key reactions leading to forma...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章,评审

    doi:10.1089/ast.2018.1978

    authors: Šponer JE,Šponer J,Di Mauro E

    更新日期:2019-09-01 00:00:00

  • Temporal changes in fluid chemistry and energy profiles in the vulcano island hydrothermal system.

    abstract::In June 2003, the geochemical composition of geothermal fluids was determined at 9 sites in the Vulcano hydrothermal system, including sediment seeps, geothermal wells, and submarine vents. Compositional data were combined with standard state reaction properties to determine the overall Gibbs free energy (DeltaG(r) ) ...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.1089/ast.2007.0128

    authors: Rogers KL,Amend JP,Gurrieri S

    更新日期:2007-12-01 00:00:00

  • Introducing Vibrio natriegens as a Microbial Model Organism for Microgravity Research.

    abstract::Microbial contamination of human-tended spacecraft is unavoidable, making the study of microbial growth under space conditions essential for the preservation of astronauts' health and equipment integrity. Previous studies suggested that spaceflight conditions, such as microgravity, cause a range of physiological micro...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.1089/ast.2018.2010

    authors: Garschagen LS,Mancinelli RL,Moeller R

    更新日期:2019-10-01 00:00:00

  • Interplanetary transfer of photosynthesis: an experimental demonstration of a selective dispersal filter in planetary island biogeography.

    abstract::We launched a cryptoendolithic habitat, made of a gneissic impactite inoculated with Chroococcidiopsis sp., into Earth orbit. After orbiting the Earth for 16 days, the rock entered the Earth's atmosphere and was recovered in Kazakhstan. The heat of entry ablated and heated the rock to a temperature well above the uppe...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.1089/ast.2006.0038

    authors: Cockell CS,Brack A,Wynn-Williams DD,Baglioni P,Brandstätter F,Demets R,Edwards HG,Gronstal AL,Kurat G,Lee P,Osinski GR,Pearce DA,Pillinger JM,Roten CA,Sancisi-Frey S

    更新日期:2007-02-01 00:00:00

  • The NASA Astrobiology Roadmap.

    abstract::The NASA Astrobiology Roadmap provides guidance for research and technology development across the NASA enterprises that encompass the space, Earth, and biological sciences. The ongoing development of astrobiology roadmaps embodies the contributions of diverse scientists and technologists from government, universities...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.1089/153110703769016299

    authors: Des Marais DJ,Allamandola LJ,Benner SA,Boss AP,Deamer D,Falkowski PG,Farmer JD,Hedges SB,Jakosky BM,Knoll AH,Liskowsky DR,Meadows VS,Meyer MA,Pilcher CB,Nealson KH,Spormann AM,Trent JD,Turner WW,Woolf NJ,Yorke HW

    更新日期:2003-07-01 00:00:00

  • The Albedo of Ryugu: Evidence for a High Organic Abundance, as Inferred from the Hayabusa2 Touchdown Maneuver.

    abstract::The Hayabusa2 mission successfully collected samples from the asteroid Ryugu last year and will return these to Earth in December 2020. It is anticipated that the samples will enable the analysis of terrestrially uncontaminated organic matter and minerals. Such analyses are in turn expected to elucidate the evolution ...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.1089/ast.2019.2198

    authors: Potiszil C,Tanaka R,Kobayashi K,Kunihiro T,Nakamura E

    更新日期:2020-07-01 00:00:00

  • Origin and formation of planetary systems.

    abstract::To estimate the occurrence of terrestrial exoplanets and maximize the chance of finding them, it is crucial to understand the formation of planetary systems in general and that of terrestrial planets in particular. We show that a reliable formation theory should not only explain the formation of the Solar System, with...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.1089/ast.2009.0372

    authors: Alibert Y,Broeg C,Benz W,Wuchterl G,Grasset O,Sotin C,Eiroa C,Henning T,Herbst T,Kaltenegger L,Léger A,Liseau R,Lammer H,Beichman C,Danchi W,Fridlund M,Lunine J,Paresce F,Penny A,Quirrenbach A,Röttgering H,Selsi

    更新日期:2010-01-01 00:00:00

  • Tolerance to X-rays and Heavy Ions (Fe, He) in the Tardigrade Richtersius coronifer and the Bdelloid Rotifer Mniobia russeola.

    abstract::The aim of this study was to analyze tolerance to heavy ions in desiccated animals of the eutardigrade Richtersius coronifer and the bdelloid rotifer Mniobia russeola within the STARLIFE project. Both species were exposed to iron (Fe) and helium (He) ions at the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba (HIMAC) in Chiba,...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.1089/ast.2015.1462

    authors: Jönsson KI,Wojcik A

    更新日期:2017-02-01 00:00:00

  • Microterracettes in Sabkha Oum Dba (Western Sahara, Morocco): Physical and Biological Interactions in the Formation of a Surface Micromorphology.

    abstract::Small-scale terracing (microterracettes) is a surface geomorphic feature that recurs under a range of environmental settings, such as those existing in high to low temperature geothermal springs and evaporitic environments, through the single or combined action of physicochemical agents and microbiological processes. ...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.1089/ast.2017.1646

    authors: Barbieri R,Cavalazzi B

    更新日期:2018-10-01 00:00:00

  • Growth, Viability, and Death of Planktonic and Biofilm Sphingomonas desiccabilis in Simulated Martian Brines.

    abstract::Aqueous solutions on Mars are theorized to contain very different ion compositions than those on Earth. To determine the effect of such solutions on typical environmental micro-organisms, which could be released from robotic spacecraft or human exploration activity, we investigated the resistance of Sphingomonas desic...

    journal_title:Astrobiology

    pub_type: 杂志文章

    doi:10.1089/ast.2018.1840

    authors: Stevens AH,Childers D,Fox-Powell M,Nicholson N,Jhoti E,Cockell CS

    更新日期:2019-01-01 00:00:00